Daily Readings - Sat May 14 2022

¹⁵In those days, Peter, rising up in the midst of the brothers, said (now the crowd of men altogether was about one hundred and twenty)¹⁶"Noble brothers, the Scripture must be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit predicted by the mouth of David about Judas, who was the leader of those who apprehended Jesus¹⁷He had been numbered among us, and he was chosen by lot for this ministry²⁰For it has been written in the book of Psalms: ‘Let their dwelling place be desolate and may there be no one who dwells within it,’ and ‘Let another take his episcopate.²¹Therefore, it is necessary that, out of these men who have been assembling with us throughout the entire time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us²²beginning from the baptism of John, until the day when he was taken up from us, one of these be made a witness with us of his Resurrection.²³And they appointed two: Joseph, who was called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias²⁴And praying, they said: "May you, O Lord, who knows the heart of everyone, reveal which one of these two you have chosen²⁵to take a place in this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas prevaricated, so that he might go to his own place.²⁶And they cast lots concerning them, and the lot fell upon Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven Apostles

John

Chapter 15

⁹As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love¹⁰If you keep my precepts, you shall abide in my love, just as I also have kept my Father’s precepts and I abide in his love¹¹These things I have spoken to you, so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be fulfilled¹²This is my precept: that you love one another, just as I have loved you¹³No one has a greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends¹⁴You are my friends, if you do what I instruct you¹⁵I will no longer call you servants, for the servant does not know what his Lord is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything whatsoever that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you¹⁶You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. And I have appointed you, so that you may go forth and bear fruit, and so that your fruit may last. Then whatever you have asked of the Father in my name, he shall give to you¹⁷This I command you: that you love one another

Sermon

In today's readings, we reflect on the essence of community, love, and divine guidance. The first reading from Acts recounts the disciples' decision to replace Judas, emphasizing their reliance on prayer and trust in God's will. This moment highlights the importance of unity and the need to maintain the integrity of their group as they await the Holy Spirit. The selection of Matthias through prayer and casting lots underscores the early Church's commitment to communal decision-making and faith in divine guidance. The Gospel from John deepens this reflection as Jesus shares His final teachings, focusing on love and friendship. He calls His disciples friends, not servants, and commands them to love one another as He has loved them. This love is not passive but active, a selfless commitment that mirrors Jesus' own sacrifice. The readings together remind us that our faith is not solitary but lived within a community bound by love and mutual support. In our daily lives, these teachings invite us to embody love and unity. Just as the early disciples came together in faith, we too should seek God's guidance in our decisions and nurture our communities with love. Let us strive to be friends of Jesus, living out His commandments and spreading His love. May we bear fruit that lasts, inspiring others through our actions and fostering a world united in love and faith.